Monthly Archives: August 2012
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The Princess and the Pea
Posted on August 30, 2012 by Children's Department Staff in Activities, Books & ReadingFirst read a traditional version of the story. After reading a traditional version of The Princess and the Pea try out an alternate telling, like The Very Smart Pea and the Princes-to-Be by Mini Grey, The Princess and the Packet of Frozen Peas by Tony Wilson, or The Penguin and the Pea by Janet Perlman. [...]
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The Wizard, the Fairy, and the Magic Chicken by Helen Lester
Posted on August 30, 2012 by Children's Department Staff in Activities, Books & Reading, StorytellingYou wouldn’t normally think a wizard, a fairy, and a chicken would be in the same story, but if it’s a fairy tale, anything goes! This fun book tells the story of these three magical creatures, each trying to outdo the other. I saw this story performed by a storyteller, and I immediately wanted to [...]
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Nursery rhymes
Posted on August 23, 2012 by Jennifer in Rhymes & SongsSaying or singing classic nursery rhymes with your child is a great way to enhance literacy skills. When they are very young, they hear the rhythm and rhyme of the words and love the bonding time with their parent or teacher. At the preschool stage, they are soaking in even more early literacy skills. They [...]
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Exploring Cultures Through Fairytales & Folklore
Posted on August 13, 2012 by Grace in Books & ReadingFolktales are a wonderful way to introduce your children to cultural heritages from around the world. Many cultures have developed the same basic stories but the details are often different, reflecting their specific traditions and lifestyle. A fun way to start exploring is to read Cinderella tales from around the world. You can ask your [...]
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Three Billy Goats Gruff
Posted on August 7, 2012 by Jennifer in StorytellingThis works well with a small group of school age kids, but could be adapted for other sizes/ages. Supplies needed – two dry erase boards or posterboard, some markers, 3 billy goat and 1 troll puppets/masks or some kind of representation, and a copy of the well-known fairy tale “The Three Billy Goats Gruff.” I like [...]
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The Paper Bag Princess
Posted on August 6, 2012 by Children's Department Staff in Activities, Books & ReadingThe Paper Bag Princess is a hilarious modern take on the Prince Charming story. Princess Elizabeth seems to be the average princess who’s planning on marrying Prince Ronald. Unfortunately, Prince Ronald is carried away by a fire-breathing dragon to his lair. The dragon even smashes the castle and burns up the Princess’ clothes! Does Princess Elizabeth pine [...]
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You’re Invited to a Fairy Tale Wedding (or Ball or Tea Party…)
Posted on August 5, 2012 by Jessica in Activities, Letters & WritingIs your child enchanted by princesses or do they love to have tea parties? Help them branch out in their play by having them create invitations and menus for a party. It can be for something as simple as a teddy bear tea party or as big as their real birthday party. Gather all the [...]
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Retelling the Gigantic Turnip
Posted on August 3, 2012 by Jennifer in StorytellingSeveral of us love using the Russian folktale about the giant turnip in storytimes. We have a flannel board of the story, but there are also plenty of books that tell it. You can read the text of the story here. After telling the story, kids can act it out. Ask for volunteers to come [...]
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